Those who received social initiatives last year, namely pensioners, senior citizens, parents, the disabled, and the economically disadvantaged, will again this year (it appears) be beneficiaries of the new cheque to be “distributed” by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the TIF, with money from the 300 million euros of the extraordinary tax on refineries.

The latest reports indicate that this money (apart from a small portion going to the Public Investment Programme) will be distributed (just before Christmas) to pensioners who lose their pay rises due to a personal difference, uninsured seniors, people living on the minimum guaranteed income, parents entitled to children’s allowance, and those receiving disability allowance and other OPEKA benefits.

The Prime Minister’s original announcement was for a benefit for pensioners who lose their pay increases due to a personal difference. However, according to newer reports, other vulnerable groups will be included in the so-called “social cheque”. In particular, the bulk is expected to be allocated to around 650,000 pensioners as a personal difference allowance if they are not entitled to the 2025 pension increase due to a personal difference. A necessary condition is that their monthly pension does not exceed €1,600.

Recall that last year the allowance amounted to 200 euros for pensions up to 700 euros, 150 euros for pensions from 701 to 1,100 euros, and 100 euros for pensions from 1,101 to 1,600 euros. Pensioners with pensions above €1,600 did not receive an allowance. The same extraordinary aid (150 euros) is expected to be granted in December to the 33,000 beneficiaries of the uninsured elderly allowance.

The reports say that about €110 million is needed for this benefit, so there is enough room left for an expanded social check. The information indicates that the final list of beneficiaries will include the following benefits:

• • – The approximately 800,000 recipients of the OPEC child benefit, who, if last year’s model is followed, will receive an additional one-and-a-half child benefit installments. The total amount a family with three children will receive in December ranges from 280 to 700 euros.
  • – The approximately 200,000 beneficiaries of the minimum guaranteed income, who, following the same logic, will receive an additional 50% of the monthly allowance.
  • – The approximately 225,000 beneficiaries of the disabled person’s allowance of OPEKA, the extra-institutional allowance, and other disability allowances of the e-EFKA will receive an aid of 200 euros.

– The approximately 225,000 beneficiaries of the disability allowance of OPEKA, the extra-institutional allowance, and other disability allowances of the e-EFKA will receive an aid of 200 euros.

The planned changes to the children’s allowance are considered a surprise measure. Given the accuracy that is hitting families with children, the government’s economic staff is considering increasing the benefit for recipients. Alternatively, instead of increasing benefits, an increase in income thresholds is being considered so that those who have had an increase in earnings or other income do not lose the benefit or receive a smaller amount.